SwiftKey 4.3 exits beta, launches on Google Play as free update

50 percent off today in some countries

Following the completion of the beta program, SwiftKey 4.3 has reached stable status and has launched as a free update on the Google Play Store. The latest version of the popular keyboard app introduces three new layouts to make typing easier on phones of all sizes — particularly larger models like the Galaxy Note 3 and HTC One Max. Dubbed "Layouts for Living," the new full, compact and thumb keyboard layouts can be undocked and moved around the screen — particularly useful for larger phones and tablets.

The new version of SwiftKey also introduces a Canadian English option, bringing the number of supported languages up to 61. And to celebrate today's launch, SwiftKey is half-price in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Russia and New Zealand.

Check out our hands-on video after the break, or hit the Google Play link above to grab the new version.

San Francisco, CA, November 6, 2013 — SwiftKey, the leading Android keyboard app, today releases ‘Layouts for Living’, its latest update in Google Play. SwiftKey 4.3 provides users with new keyboard layouts that can be resized and moved anywhere on a device, empowering people to type however they want to, regardless of screen size.

This update also introduces a Canadian English language model for the first time. It ensures predictions are more relevant than ever for SwiftKey users in Canada - it understands local place names and personalities, for example, it understands Canadian users who type “Stephen” will be more likely than American English users to be talking about Prime Minister Stephen Harper than author Stephen King.

SwiftKey is currently 50% off in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Russia and New Zealand as part of Google’s Autumn promotion.

SwiftKey Layouts for Living introduces three new keyboard modes which can be undocked, moved and resized. This recognizes there is an increasing lack of distinction between the phone and tablet form factor and users want more flexibility when they type. The update follows a beta period with testing by our 100,000-strong VIP community.

SwiftKey co-founder and CTO Ben Medlock said: “Layouts for Living makes it easier and more comfortable to type, whatever you're using and whatever you're doing. The choice is yours - your SwiftKey, your way. We received an overwhelmingly positive response from our beta testers and we're excited to bring SwiftKey 4.3 to all our users.”

In addition to being able to size and place the keyboard anywhere on the device, version 4.3 of SwiftKey also includes three preset keyboard modes:

Compact: On many larger phones it can be difficult to enter text and hold the phone with just one hand. This new feature minimizes the width of the keyboard and allows for easier typing with one hand or gesture typing using SwiftKey Flow. It also frees up more of the screen estate on tablets.
Full: Users with large screens can now opt for a full-width keyboard with left-right cursor control keys and a backspace key above the “Enter” key. By placing the keys closer together, this new layout mimics the experience of two-handed typing on a physical keyboard.
Thumb: For people typing on tablets in landscape and with wide phones in portrait the keyboard can be split into two sections, enabling fast, comfortable typing with both thumbs.

Consistent Experience
As devices of varying sizes continue to enter the market and the line between tablets and phones blur, a consistent SwiftKey experience is an ongoing priority for our fans. Responding to fan feedback, SwiftKey has merged the phone and tablet apps to give a seamless experience across all device sizes.

With SwiftKey Layouts for Living, current and future customers can use one unified SwiftKey app across all Android devices. Leveraging SwiftKey Cloud, which was introduced in SwiftKey 4.2, the app also creates a cloud-based hub for each user’s personal language profile to be shared with any phone or device. SwiftKey Layouts for Living offers a beautiful user experience for all users, across all of their devices no matter the screen size.

The latest version of SwiftKey is available for trial or purchase by new users and as a free update for existing users from today. SwiftKey is available for download from Google Play, Amazon App Store and Android PIT.

Paid for this and used the crap out of it.... but with Google's keyboard released I've really not looked back. When I updated to my new phone didn't even install the app, doesn't feel like I'm missing anything.

Staged rollout. They are probably releasing it little by little to make sure there are no major hiccups with anything. The app store will say it's been updated probably because they changed the app info/images.

Agreed about Forest theme. Funny thing is I think this used to be the way "dark" theme looked on the Tablet version of swiftkey. A while back I installed that version on phone just to get this theme :-)

I also paid for the tablet version and have it installed on my Nexus 10 and my HTC One. I am not seeing an option to update to 4.3 in the play store. And on the play store online it says i have the trial installed. WTF?

I Love the new version! Before there were three keyboard sizes, which was great, but now there are five and they're more accessible. I also like the fact that you can un-dock the keyboard and move it to see what's under it.

Anyone know why they got rid of the arrow keys on the 2nd symbol keyboard? Not the "show arrows" option but rather the arrow keys that were embedded in the keyboard itself? Was very useful - would like them back!

I'll answer my own question. Yes, this STILL has the reboot problem and will change back to the stock keyboard after every reboot. I like the keyboard but this company is a POS. I don't know how anyone can use this still with this issue.

Anybody have better luck with swiftkeys predictive text than me? I really do prefer their keyboard layout and functionality, but I feel like Swype does so much better anticipating what I'm typing before I'm done...

I found the exact opposite. SwiftKey seems to work much better for me than Swype. The last beta I tested had some problems with the flow through space, but this version seems to have fixed that as well. Nice job, SwiftKey!

SwiftKey it's my favorite keyboard but the HTC One Sense keyboard is top notch and has great prediction, features and an awesome look. I bought SwiftKey on the One but the stock it's better and that's saying something. If they just updated the themes to a more flatter look I could give it a try one more time.

Google Keyboard is also a worthy competitor but I really don't like that you have to waste time for punctuation marks like the , (comma). The layout is good and the looks are great.

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